Former Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan clarified that he is not joining the Team Albee “for now”.
“Kalayo to ya sang amon gin meeting ni Albee nga duha… kay ma give way ko running as mayoralty,” Tan told the NND in dialect on Aug. 25, 2021, after reports of his meeting with Benitez came out.
In a recorded interview with the NEGROS NOW DAILY the day before, Tan confirmed that he is running for councilor in the 2022 elections. He also admitted talking to former Negros Occidental congressman Alfredo “Albee” Benitez.
In the same interview, Tan said he already initiated pocket meetings and consultations with his leaders about his plan to run for councilor.
Tan was city councilor of Bacolod from 1995 up to 2001.
During the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, he was appointed as director of the Manila Airport Development Authority. He also served as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication from 2004-2007 and served as Director of LTO-NCR from 2007 to 2009.
Tan lost his bid for congressman of Bacolod in 2010, but was elected as No. 1 councilor in 2016.
In the early years of the Duterte administration, his name was dragged in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
With wife, Nita, he survived an ambush in December 2018. After laying low for a couple of years, Tan called for a press conference in May this year, announcing that he was a victim of fake news.
Tan said he feels vindicated after no less than President Rodrigo Duterte cleared his name. – NND News Team
